Metabolism and Pharmacological Mechanisms of Active Ingredients in Erigeron breviscapus.

BACKGROUND: Erigeron breviscapus (Vant.) Hand-Mazz. is a plant species in the Compositae family. More than ten types of compounds-such as flavonoids, caffeinate esters, and volatile oils-have been identified in Erigeron breviscapus; however, it remains unknown as to which compounds are associated with clinical efficacy. In recent years, flavonoids and phenolic acids have been considered as the main effective components of Erigeron breviscapus. The metabolism and mechanisms of these compounds in vivo have been extensively studied to improve our understanding of the drug. METHODS: In the present review, we summarize the relationships among these compounds, their metabolites, and their pharmacodynamics. Many methods have been implemented to improve the separation and bioavailability of these compounds from Erigeron breviscapus. RESULTS: In China, Erigeron breviscapus has been used for many years. In recent years, through the study of its metabolism and the mechanisms of its effective components, the effects of Erigeron breviscapus in the treatment of various diseases have been extensively studied. Findings have indicated that Erigeron breviscapus improves cardiovascular and cerebrovascular function and that one of its ingredients, scutellarin, has potential value in the treatment of Alzheimer's disease, cancer, diabetic vascular complications, and other conditions. In addition, phenolic acid compounds and their metabolites also play an important role in anti-oxidation, anti-inflammation, and improving blood lipids. CONCLUSION: Erigeron breviscapus plays an important role in the prevention and treatment of cardiovascular/ cerebrovascular diseases, neuroprotection, and cancer through many different mechanisms of action. Further investigation of its efficacious components and metabolites may provide more possibilities for the clinical application of traditional Chinese medicine and the development of novel drugs.

[Protection and mechanism of total flavone of Hippophae rhamnoides on vascular endothelial cells].

OBJECTIVE: To observe the protection of total flavones of Hippophae Rhamnoides (TFH) on vascular endothelial cells (VECs). METHODS: Human umbilical VECs (ECV304) were used. The vascular endothelial injured cell model was prepared using hydrogen dioxide (H2O2). The cell apoptosis rate and changes of mean fluorescence intensity were detected using flow cytometry (FCM). The Caspase-3 activity in VECs was detected by Western blot. RESULTS: VEC apoptosis was induced by 200 micromol/L H2O2. TFH in different concentrations (400, 200, and 100 microg/mL) could significantly lower the cell apoptosis rate induced by H2O2 respectively (all P < 0.05), and obviously inhibit Caspase-3 activities (all P < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: TFH could fight against H2O2 injured VECs apoptosis. Lowering the Caspase-3 expression was one of its mechanisms in protecting VECs.

[Discussion on pharmacological mechanism of laosun kangfu tablets].

OBJECTIVE: to study pharmacological mechanism of Laosun Kangfu tablet. METHOD: Blood-activating and stasis-removing was tested by establishing cute cold pathogens induced blood stasis rat model and microcirculation disturbance state rat model by means of dripping adrenine on the mensentery. The resisting oxidation was tested by establishing the freely falling body damages models. The kidney-notifying was tested by Acetic acid hydrocortisone-caused kidney asthenia of mice. RESULT: All of the experimental results showed that there were Significant differences between the treatment groups and the control groups, such as promoting blood circulation and removing blood stasis, resisting the oxidation, the kidney-notifying actions. CONCLUSION: Effects of Huoxue Xiaozhong and Xingqi Zhitong of Laosun Kangfu tablet is because the action of improving microcirculation, antioxidation and regulating endocrine.